Adam Skirving, 1719 - 1803. Song writer; author of 'Hey, Johnnie Cope'
About this artwork
This closely-observed portrait of the Haddington farmer and song-writer was painted by his son whose work is also represented in the National Gallery of Scotland's collection by pastel portraits of exceptional refinement. Adam Skirving is best known as the author of 'Hey Johnnie Cope', written to taunt Lieutenant-General Sir John Cope after his defeat by the Jacobites at the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745. Apart from writing ballads, Skirving did not play an active role in the rising.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Archibald SkirvingScottish (1749 - 1819)
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title:Adam Skirving, 1719 - 1803. Song writer; author of 'Hey, Johnnie Cope'
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date created:About 1770
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:76.20 x 62.90 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Bequeathed by David Ainslie 1901
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accession number:PG 596
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
Archibald Skirving
Archibald Skirving
Skirving was born near Haddington, East Lothian. After being educated locally, he began work as a junior clerk at the Customs Office in Edinburgh. It is thought that Skirving also studied at the Trustees' Academy in the city at the same time, while painting miniatures at night. By the end of 1777...
